WICHITA, Kansas – As the November 3, 2026, midterm election approaches, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater is urging all voters who have requested mail‑in ballots to return them as soon as possible. Early returns are critical to ensuring every vote is counted.
Current mail‑in ballot counts
As of Wednesday morning, Sedgwick County has received nearly 12,000 completed mail‑in ballots out of roughly 22,000 that were mailed to voters. Statewide, the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office reports that about 60,000 mail‑in ballots have been returned from more than 106,000 sent.
Early‑voting numbers
In addition to mail‑in voting, more than 222,000 Kansans have already cast their votes early in person, reflecting a strong turnout ahead of Election Day.
How to return your ballot
Rainwater advises voters to use the county’s 17 secure ballot drop‑box locations, which are situated outdoors and remain accessible 24 hours a day during the active voting period. The drop boxes close simultaneously at 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters may also drop off mail ballots at any early‑voting or Election Day polling site during normal voting hours.
Three‑day grace period upheld
Earlier this year, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a ruling that preserves the three‑day grace period for mail‑in ballots. Rainwater explained that ballots postmarked on or before 7 p.m. on Election Night will be counted if they arrive at the county office by 5 p.m. on the Friday following the election.
Postal service measures
The U.S. Postal Service has announced extraordinary measures nationwide to ensure timely delivery of ballots, including additional delivery and pickup times.
Expanded early‑voting sites
To further accommodate voters, Sedgwick County opened 17 satellite early‑voting locations. These sites operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 30, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Rainwater emphasized that early participation and prompt ballot return are essential for a smooth election process and urged all Kansans to exercise their voting rights responsibly.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
